Well, here we are. The end. Exactly 40 chapters. I definitely did not expect to write so much. Thank you for reading, especially those that have left messages from right from the start, particularly, triggbc, carolyn jinn, petty bureaucrat, Daughter of Padfoot, Lord of Voldemort, zoricam Dreaming Haven, Lilykees, meekerprincess9778m ProngsI, and so many more. Your support and comments are always greatly appreciated. I'll be off the radar for a bit as I write my next one (SMUT), but i will be back soon. One of my readers left me a message saying he had a feeling i would end the story with the words ALWAYS. At the time, I had no intention of using it, but hey, it's a bloody good word. If its good enough for JKR, it's good enough for me. So now, read on to find out how Harry and Ginny got their Happy Ever After - Pottermum xx

It was certainly a year of happiness on many levels. After Ginny's exciting news on Valentine's Day, the Potters curtailed their travelling, doing more work on the research side at home. Harry marvelled at her changing body, reading all the books he could on pregnancy and fatherhood. He found the advice conflicting, and turned to the experts he knew-Arthur and Remus.

While Ginny loved that she was pregnant, she wasn't enjoying it as much as Harry. Carrying twins on her petite body was taxing, and she suffered nausea early on, then heartburn. At times like this, she missed her Mum so much, which would make her cry. Harry could only help so much, for there were things you just needed to talk about with a woman when it came to pregnancy and childbirth. Andromeda was a big help, and luckily she also had Fleur and Tonks to talk to, as they were all pregnant at the same time. Tonks was due in May, Ginny in August and Fleur was due in October. While Tonks and Fleur knew they were having boys, Ginny and Harry chose not to find out the sex of their babies. The only thing they knew was that Ginny was likely to deliver early.

Fred and George decided to throw a birthday party for themselves on April first. When the guests arrived, they were told they were here for a double wedding. No one was sure if it was an April Fool's prank or not, until the brides walked down the aisle. George and Alicia had moved into the Burrow with Arthur, and for now, Fred and Angelina had the apartment over WWW for themselves.

Remus and Tonks welcomed Orion James on May first. He was quickly nicknamed OJ. It was an easy delivery, and Tonks was up and about, bonding with Teddy and the new baby within a couple of hours. Sirius loved the name.

Maybe it was all the baby talk, but by the time Rose and Rebecca returned home from Hogwarts, Sirius and Emmy's application to adopt Ben and Rebecca had been approved. They welcomed the newcomers to the family with a party back at Grimmauld Place. As Rose was now heading for fourteen, she had decided she was happy with the way things were, and didn't need to be adopted. Both Sirius and Emmy made sure she knew she was considered their daughter as well.

Teddy turned three at the end of June, and Remus and Tonks decided to throw him a party, as his brother had been the focus of the attention since his birth. Ginny had been complaining of a back ache all week, and Harry told Tonks they probably wouldn't stay too late. Indeed, they were content to stay at Godric's Hollow these days, going for an easy walk around the town centre most nights after tea.

Teddy was just about to blow out the candles when Ginny groaned. Harry was instantly by her side. "I think the babies are coming," she said, rubbing her huge stomach.

"Are you sure Gin? You've said that twice this week, and they've been false alarms," said Harry.

Ginny's water broke and gushed all over Harry's feet. "Yes I'm bloody sure, you prat. I think I know what it's like more than you. You just-ow, oh Merlin, I need to lay down," groaned Ginny.

"Come on, let's get you to one of the bedrooms," said Andromeda. Sirius and Harry helped her down to the main bedroom, where Andromeda checkled her out. "You're only dilated to one centimetre. Still time for you to get to St Mungo's. Do you want me to contact your healer?"

Ginny nodded. She'd always imagined birthing her children at home, with her Mum beside her. Now she needed to have her healer and medical professionals nearby, just for her own peace of mind.

Harry, Ginny and Andromeda left for St Mungo's, asking everyone else to stay at the party for Teddy's sake. It finished early, and Sirius saw Emmy home with Rose, Rebecca and Ben before heading to St Mungo's. Remus came too, after OJ and Teddy were in bed and Tonks was resting.

James Sirius and Evan Remus were born in the early hours of the morning. They both showed signs of having Ginny's hair and eye colouring, but their identical features were all Potter. By the time they'd been cleaned and wrapped up, an ecstatic Harry left Ginny resting while he went out to his family.

George and Alicia, Fred and Angie and Bill and Percy had joined Sirius and Remus in their vigil.

"I have sons," said a shaky Harry. "I have two beautiful sons."

Sirius and Remus took a baby each, while Fred and George plotted about taking the newborns under their wing-twin to twin.

They seemed so tiny to Harry, compairing them to OJ, but they turned out to be gluttons for Ginny's breasts."Just like their father," she observed dryly. They soon gained weight.

Harry delighted in being a dad, and couldn't wait to do fun things with his boys. He was glad he and Ginny had careers that allowed them to work from home, as he didn't want to miss a day of his sons' life.

Phillipe Weasley was born October thirtieth, his grandmother's birthday; He was a big baby, nearly the same size as the now three month old twins. Ginny was happy that her boys would have friends close in age to them.

Ginny loved being home with her boys, but she found herself more and more immersed in their little town. Mayor Solomon confided he was thinking about retiring in a few years, and asked her if she would be interested in a job where she would eventually take over from him as Mayor of Godric's Hollow. With Harry's blessing and support, she happily agreed.

The boys were nearly two when Ginny's first big announcement came. It was the town meeting, and Ginny had encouraged Harry to come, so Sirius and Rose were watching the boys. After the usual town news, the Mayor opened the floor to new business.

Ginny stood up. "I would like to propose a new use for the old orphanage. It has stood empty for nearly a year now. I have talked to many of the parents in our town, and I propose we make it into a primary school for our children."

The townspeople murmured amongst themselves. Harry nodded confidantly to Ginny, having discussed this at home in great detail.

"But if we get any orphans where would they stay till they find a home?" asked a Citizen.

"My Great Great Aunt left me her home, a fine building. The Potter Foundation has renovated it and there is currently free beds available," said Ginny, satisfactorily. Since Ben and Rebecca's adoption, Ginny had tried to find homes for several children in London too.

Harry stood up. "The Potter Foundation would be able to cover the cost of converting the old orphanage into a school. It is already in good condition, so the costs won't be high." He sat down.

"But who will teach our children?" asked Ned.

Ginny beamed at him. "I think everybody in this town has something to offer our children, but may I offer my husband's services as teacher? You've all seen how good he is with the children. He would be ideal to guide our young ones into the world of magic, and prepare them for Hogwarts."

The murmuring continued; favourable. The Mayor stood. "All those in favour?"

"Aye," said most of the townspeople.

"All against?" asked the Mayor.

"Nay," said a couple. They looked at the Mayor. "It's not that we're against it, per se, we'd just like to have more information."

"Of course. Perhaps you could arrange a time to talk with Citizen Potter. For now, the aye's have it. Mr Potter, perhaps you could give us an update at the next town meeting. For now, the meeting is closed."

Ginny accepted the congratulations as she made her way to her husband. "Gin, what have you done?" he asked her, chickling. "Me, a teacher?"

Ginny nudged him as she waved her wand to do a quick cleaning spell on the room. "Tell me you're not already picturing the old orphanage and what you'd change to make it a classroom," she said.

"Well, of course. I mean, we'd need to make the rooms bright and colourful, especially for the little ones. They'd learn writing and reading. They'd do drawings and we could have story time. Hey, maybe Remus could help out with the older ones, you know, get them ready for Hogwarts. I could teach them to fly, I could-"

"See, you' re planning lessons already. Harry, you are born to be a teacher. You're so good with our boys," grinned Ginny, as she waved to the Mayor as they began to walk home.

"The boys! If I'm teaching, who'll look after the boys?" asked Harry.

"Do you think you could the school set up by September first?" asked Ginny. Harry nodded.

"Good. I'll be home more then," said Ginny as they walked home.

"You will?" asked Harry, surprised. He was the one content to stay home while Ginny was off at her town meetings. He worked when the boys took their naps or went to sleep at night.

"Yeah. I'm cutting back to work in the afternoons for awhile, then I'll take a break. This heartburn's a bitch," said Ginny, rubbing her chest.

"Heartburn? You never said you had heartburn again. Last time you had that...was when...Gin, what are you saying?" asked Harry, excitedly. He stopped her from walking, and pulled her around to face him.

"I'm pregnant, Harry. This little one is due early February," said Ginny.

Harry picked Ginny up and twirled her around. She giggled, making other townspeople walking past smile. Harry kissed her. "That is the best news."

They went inside and told Sirius and Rose the news. They were both excited to hear about another Potter joining them next year, and offered to help prepare the school.

The school was ready to go on September first. When Harry mentioned to Sirius that he had ten students, Sirius chuckled, reminding him of Trelawney's fake prophecy. Harry didn't mind that the numbers were low, knowing that in a few short years, his own family would make up the numbers.

Most young parents were keen on the new school, but some still preferred to teach their children at home. Harry didn't mind. He started with three eight years olds, two five year olds, two ten year olds, one nine year old and a six year old.

Remus came to help him with the older students, and Arthur stopped by often to read stories to the little ones. He was immediately dubbed 'Grandpa' by all the kids, which he loved. The youngest students only went half a day, so Arthur would go to see Ginny and his grandsons after.

James Sirius and Even Remus were defintely Marauders in the making. They had both done accidental magic early on, encouraged by their twin uncles. They adored Dobby, who tried so hard to keep them in line and make them good boys. Jamie and Evan were two and a half when their sister was born.

Harry gazed down at his little Lily. With her tuft of red hair and her face red from crying in anger at having to leave her lovely little warm cocoon to be born, Harry knew a love he didn't know existed. His daughter, Lily Ginevra Potter. She was well named, for she became a spitfire just like her mother.

Penelope Molly, known as Poppy, followed two years later. Her colouring was all Potter, right down to her messy black hair and her green eyes. She was a gentle soul, happiest when she was cuddling with her daddy, or the family cat, Chudley. She was often the peacemaker between her older siblings.

Fred and Angelina welcomed a boy, Gideon, then a girl, Molly. George and Alicia welcomed a girl, Roxanne, and then a boy, joke shop was going great, and they did open another store in Hogsmeade, run by Lee Jordan.

Fleur and Bill moved to Paris in time for her to deliver their third and final child, Sophie. Percy bought Shell Cottage from him, and he and Audrey planned their wedding.

Charlie and Hermione went their separate ways, although they remained friends. Hermione was currently based in Bulgaria, for the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Harry had heard rumours she was seeing Viktor Krum. He just hoped she was happy.

Godric's Hollow's little school was thriving. Teddy, Jamie and Evan now attended, and Lily was impatient to go, always wanting to keep up with her big brothers. Poppy liked to stay home and be with Mummy. Dobby liked it best when it was just the girls home, until they decided to dress him up in their clothes.

Luna flitted in and out of their lives. She and her partner Rolf Scamander discovered the Crumple Horned Snorkak and became quite famous. They updated Newt's book and while on tour, Luna gave birth to two boys, Lorcan and Lysander. Luna put one baby in a sling and Rolf took the other one, and they continued on with their travels. A couple of years later, when they were in Australia, in search of the Warbling Womabt, Harry, Ginny and the kids spent the summer with them. The children got on well, and the Potters returned to England, sunburned; the kids having learned to snorket and surf. Luna and Rolf introduced them to many Australian native animals.

Ginny also discovered she'd brought something else home from Australia. To her surprise and Harry's delight, she was pregnant again. Upon discovering it was twins again, Harry just grinned and reminded her they'd agreed on eight. Ginny just smiled and told him he'd have to carry the next two.

Like her first pregnancy, this one was hard on her body. She was on bed rest for the last month of her pregnancy, and in March, Arthur Rubeus and Ariana Muriel joined the Potter family. Hedwig flew over to their cot, hooting at them. He'd only done it once before, with the first twins, until James pulled his wing in excitement. Artie, as he was quickly known, grew up to be kind and gentle with all animals. Hedwig gravitated to him more than any other of the Potter children. Anna, as she was known, was going to be a powerful witch. She did accidental magic earlier than any of her siblings, and was fiercely protective of Artie, who was often teased because of his gentle nature. Anna found a good friend in Dobby, who told her tales of her heroic and wonderful father.

The Potter family were a happy bunch. There was always fun times to be had in the treehouse, or swimming in the pond. With all their extended family, there was always someone to play was teaching the older kids, like Teddy, to fly. Jamie and Evan had beginner brooms, but Lily itched to go flying too. Poppy was happier on the ground, unless she was flying with her Daddy or Mummy.

Neville and Hannah married, and together they had two children. Frances Augustus(Franky) and Helen Ginevra, after Hannah's mother. Harry and Ginny were godparents.

Sirius and Emmy ended up travelling the world over the next few years. They would always be home for the summer holidays and Christmas, then off they'd go again. Rose had decided to take on the position of Deputy Matron at the orphanage at Muriels old place. Rebecca was studying to be a teacher of Charms, her favourite subject. Ben, who got his love of flying from watching Harry, went on to be keeper for the Chudley Cannons. When they won their first game in over five decades, Harry and Ginny were there to cheer him on. Both prayed that Ron was watching.

Both Sirius and Remus seemed to find a peace within themselves after seeing James and Lily that Halloween. Remus particularly was like a new man. He was enjoying teaching the older students at Godric's Hollow's school, and he adored his sons. Teddy was preparing to start at Hogwarts and OJ seemed set for a career in potions.

Mayor Solomon was all set to retire and hand the reins over to Ginny when she discovered that, after a weekend away visiting Bill and Fleur in Paris, she was pregnant yet again. This pregnancy took its toll, and Ginny was on bed rest from her sixth month onwards. Their small baby boy Andrew Ronald, known as Andy, arrived in early July. Ginny was advised not to have any more babies.

Six months later, with her large family and friends watching on, Ginny was sworn in as Mayoress of Godric's Hollow. Her twin sons fell to their knees, bowing before her. "We're not worthy, we're not worthy!" George and Fred looked on proudly, while Sirius smirked. Ginny had to explain it was something they had seen in a Muggle movie.

Life went on. Andy was a sweet mixture of all his older siblings, happy to adapt to whoever he was with. With his eldest sons only a couple of years away from Hogwarts, Harry and Ginny were happy they still had some little ones at home.

Andy was two when Ginny got an owl from Rose, now Matron of the Phoenix Orphanage. A sickly baby had been left on their doorstep. She was currently in St Mungo's,undergoing tests. She was approximately six months old. Did Ginny know of anyone who would be willing to adopt her?

Ginny had been working closely with the orphanages to place as many children in good homes as possible. She knew of all the applicants as they had been closely vetted.

She went to St Mungo's to see the baby and get an update on her health. She could hear the baby screaming as she walked down the hall. Tentatively she knocked on the door, peeking her head in. The nurse beckoned her in. "We're trying to feed her, but she just won't take it and we don't really want to feed her by tube.

"May I try?" asked Ginny. The nurse nodded.

Ginny picked up the screaming baby and settled in a rocking chair. She took the bottle from the nurse, and softly spoke to the baby, coaxing her to try some yummy milk. She asked the nurse to dim the lights in the room.

"You know, I bet the reason you're crying is because you're hungry. Come on, little one. Open up," said Ginny.

The little girl opened her mouth to cry again, but Ginny quickly stuck the bottle in. The baby started in surprise, and inhaled, ready to pitch a fit. Instead, her mouth filled with warm milk. She suckled, letting her belly fill with much needed nourishment. She eyed Ginny as she drank.

"That's my good girl. You're just like my Lily. You're a determined one, aren't you. My Lily is just like that. Now Poppy, she'd be cooing all over you, my sweet little girl. she adores babies. Artie would probably be patting you, like you were the family cat. Of course Anna would then tell him he's doing it all wrong, and show him the right way."

The baby felt contented. Her belly was full, and the person rocking her spoke not too loud, or shone the light too bright. With a contented sigh, the baby prepared to fall asleep. First, there was the little matter of-

"Oh dear, I think she needs changing," laughed Ginny softly, feeling a movement at the other end.

"I can take her if you like, Mrs Potter," said the nurse.

"It's okay, I don't mind," said Ginny, and she deftly changed the baby and lay her in her crib without waking her. "Thank you," she told the nurse.

She went out and spoke to the healer. The little girl had a heart defect, which was probably why she had been abandoned. It would make adopting her a lot harder.

She went home that night and told Harry about the baby. She made some fire calls to people she thought might adopt the baby. She tried Percy and Audrey, but they told her they just found out Audrey was expecting. She tried several people on the list of prospective adoptees, when Harry stopped her.

"Gin, stop. You don't need to try anyone else," he told her.

"But Harry, I don't want her to go to the orphanage. She'll need an operation later. There has to be someone who will take her, despite her health problems," cried Ginny.

Harry took her in his arms. "There is. Us. She's our daughter, our number eight. I just know it, Gin."

Ginny looked at him. "Really? You mean it?" When Harry nodded, she threw herself into his arms. "I love you."

"I love you too," he said, kissing her. So, tomorrow, we'll go meet our new daughter at St Mungo's, and see about getting the paperwork filled out."

Minerva Luna had her heart operation just after her first birthday. Ginny stayed with her in the hospital for five nights, but she was allowed to come home after that. Her brothers and sisters all fussed over their Minnie. Her Daddy even stayed home from school, letting Uncle Sirius and Grandpa Arthur take over for the day. Dobby brought her special treats, and Hedwig flew to her window to check on her. She recovered well, and by her second birthday, she was running around after her brothers and sisters.

One day, Harry received a letter from a solicitor in London. Albus Dumbledore had left him something in his will, to be passed on just before his firstborn started at Hogwarts. Harry took the Snitch, glancing curiously at the solicitor who shrugged. "We hoped you'd know what it was,"he said, disappointed. Harry shook his head, but opened the accompanying letter.

Dear Harry.

I am writing you this letter just after I walked you to Gryffindor Tower. We had just returned from Godric's Hollow, where I told you about your family. I hope you remember that night fondly.

I fear the confrontation with Voldemort will happen sooner rather than later. I hope I have prepared you enough. Your magic has grown to an astonishing level. With the right training, I believe you would surpass my powers, however, I don't believe you care about that.

Your strength has always been in the people you surround yourself with. I deeply regret asking Miss Granger and Mr Ronald Weasley to assist me. It was never my intention to break the friendship between , it has been most gratifying to see Mr Longbottom step up and fill the void young Mr Weasley left.

It has also been a pleasure to witness the relationship between you and Miss Weasley develop. How like your parents you are. I hope, when the final confrontation with Voldemort happens, you will be aware that Love is the Power he knows not. You have that in buckets, my young friend. Even my own brother speaks fondly of you and Ginevra."

On that night in Godric's Hollow, I told you the story about your Inivisibility cloak. It is one of the Deathly Hallows. What I didn't tell you is that I hold the Elder Wand. I requested it be buried with me, for I know that I will be dead soon. In my foolishness, I put on the Horcrux ring, triggering a curse that means my death. I hope I live to see you fulfill the prophecy, and I hope my last request will be carried out."

"This Snitch is the one you caught in your first ever Quidditch match, do you remember? Keep it close, for at the end of your days, it will guide you home. It is important that you remember how you caught it, and that Snitches have flesh memories.I hope this will become clearer when the time comes. I am sure that time will be many many years away."

"If my inner Seer is correct, I am sure you are happily married to Miss Weasley and the father of many children. I truly believe you are destined to teach, to guide. Right now, you are either shaking your head that I got it so wrong, or that I guessed so right."

"So, why wait all this time? My greatest wish is that the wizarding world is enjoying a time of peace. I'm sure you and your friends are helping our world move forward. The Hallows, hopefully, are no longer being hunted. There is no-one I feel more confidant leaving them to."

Farewell, my young friend. I send you my very best wishes for a long and happy life.

Albus Dumbledore.

Harry signed the necessary papers. "He mentioned a last request, that he be buried with his wand. Was that request carried out?" asked Harry.

"We had people search his office, but there was no sign of his wand," sighed the solicitor.

"Thank you," said Harry, and left.

He was quiet that night, as he thought about the night of the Final battle for the first time in many years. Ginny got the kids settled, then came to find him, sitting in their lounge swing out the back.

"You've been quiet since you got back from the solicitors. Anything you want to talk about?" she asked

He pulled her down onto his lap, nuzzling her cheek. "Remember that night Dumbledore took me to Godric's Hollow, and told me about my family, and its connection to the Hallows?"

Ginny nodded. "Ignotus Peverell, your ancestor, handed down the cloak of Invisibility to the first born son. Merlin, can you imagine Jamie and Evan with it at Hogwarts?"

They shared a chuckle over their boisterous twins. Harry then continued.

"Dumbledore left me a letter, telling me he had the Elder Wand. He wanted to be buried with it, it was his last request. But when I asked the solicitor, he said they found no wand with Dumbledore," said Harry, worriedly.

"Do you think someone stole it, someone who knew what the wand was?" asked Ginny.

Harry shook his head. I'm not sure. I've been thinking a lot about that night, up on the Astronomy Tower. He had his wand then, I remember."

"Was he disarmed?" asked Ginny.

Harry nodded. "I think somehow Draco ended up with Dumbledore's wand. I've seen Draco's wand plenty of times, and it was only earlier that I realised something. I disarmed Draco in the Astronomy Tower just before he fell. The wand I have, still have in our family vaults, is definitely not Draco Malfoy's."

"So you think you have Dumbledore's, which is actully the-oh, Harry, could it be?" asked Ginny, sitting up and pushing off him.

Harry missed his wife's closeness. "I guess we can get Ollivander to check it out. So we know, for sure."

"Thank Merlin we don't have the Resurrection Stone too, although if we did, at least we know it would be safe," sighed Ginny.

Harry slowly took the Snitch out of his pocket. Ginny stared at it, then Harry. "No? You don't think...?"

Harry nodded.

"What do we do?" asked Ginny.

Harry shrugged. "As far as I'm concerned, nothing. I will pass my cloak to my sons, as is my family tradition. The wand will remain in our vault for the time being, but we will get it verified. Then we can decide what to do with it. I'd like to honour Dumbledore's request, but it's ten years too late."

"And the stone?" asked Ginny, watching the Snitch flutter around Harry.

He reached out and caught it, then released it again. "It's the first Snitch I ever caught, and, for now, that's what it will be. Dumbledore said at the end of my days, it will guide me , until then, a Snitch it will remain."

"Are you sure, Harry?" asked Ginny.

"If I think we are at risk, I'll place it in our vault with the wand. I would never place our children or you in danger. My family is everything to me," said Harry, pulling her back to him.

"I know, love," said Ginny, kissing him. "Our world is at peace. Our children will grow up and go to Hogwarts with none of the worries you ever had."

Harry chuckled. "I just hope Hogwarts is ready for our children."

Ginny nodded. "Is it just a coincidence that Headmistress Mcgongall is retiring the same year our boys are starting?"

"I don't think so," laughed Harry.

"Hmm, Peeves and the Potter boys. That will be interesting," mused Ginny.

"Poor Neville will have his work cut out for him," sighed Harry.

"He sent a letter. He's Head of Gryffindor," said Ginny.

"He's a true Gryffindor, and he deserves the honour,"said Harry, cuddling her. The swing began to rock as they watched the sun set over Godric's Hollow. Upstairs their children slept safely.

Many, many, many years later, when his time had come. Harry held the Snitch to his lips. "I am ready to die," he whispered.

The Snitch fluttered, and opened. Out came the Resurrection Stone. Harry, thinking of all who had passed before him, closed his eyes to his time on Earth.

"Harry, we're waiting."

Harry opened his eyes. There, standing before him, was his Ginny, looking like she was only seventeen or eighteen. She had passed just a year before Harry. A very long year of extreme loneliness for Harry, and an aching need to be with his wife.

"Hello, Son," said Lily Potter, from behind Ginny.

Ginny took his hand and led him over to his parents. For the first time, Harry felt his mother's touch. He leaned his head on her shoulder. "Mum."

"Hello, Son." Harry looked up to see his Dad waiting his turn. James enveloped both Lily and Harry in a tight hug.

For Sirius, Remus and Ginny watching on, to see this family that had been torn apart decades earlier, reunite for the first time, was very emotional.

The Potters broke apart, smiling and sniffling. Harry pulled Ginny close.

"Come on, Harry. It's time to go home," she said.

Together, with Lily, James, Sirius and Remus, they walked into the light.

Together.

Always.